Andy Buckley-Taylor’s Derby County blog: The strategy is in place to go one stage better next season

Andy Buckley-Taylor

Well the dust has settled and the handkerchiefs have dried after a disappointing Wembley appearance for the Rams.

Dominating a game and losing to a goal in the dying moments is a very cruel way to see your dreams of top tier football evaporate before your very eyes.

The club has however moved on and this week Sam Rush and John Vicars held a question and answer session with the fans in McFarland’s Bar at the iPro Stadium.

First of all it was announced that local entrepreneur Mel Morris had joined the clubs board. Morris has many business interests and recently pocketed a reported £512m from the Candy Crush game that has had many people addicted to and constantly seen on their mobile phones and tablets.

He is a true Derby fan and will, I’m sure be a good addition to the club.

The club has stated it’s intentions to sign, if possible, George Thorne from West Bromwich. Thorne has made a very big impact for the club in the short space of time and it’s reported that he is keen to return to the club.

It would show real intent if we could sign him on a permanent basis.

Suggestions that Steve McClaren could leave were dismissed with Rush stating that he has started something special at Derby and wants to complete the job. The club are looking to strengthen the team in the summer and there was an indication that signings won’t necessarily be confined to players from British soil.

John Vicars announced that Kappa will not be producing the Derby shirt next season. The new manufacturer wasn’t announced despite much speculation on social media.

The vibes were good and everyone left the meeting feeling positive. The club have stated there intent to be up at the top end of the table again next year and fans left in a very positive mood.

It will be interesting to see what develops over the summer. Derby County were the third best team in the division and lost out via the play off system. Keeping the momentum going and carrying it on to the new season will be the big challenge. The owners, club officials, management, coaching staff and players are certainly up for it! Roll on August!